News
NVFC and the U.S. Fire Administration Seek a Safer “Home Fire Season”
Smoking and Home Fires Campaign addresses number one cause of preventable home fire deaths
October through March is “home fire season,” and the NVFC is working in conjunction with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to ensure this year’s cold months are safer than last years when there was a dramatic increase in home fire deaths. Through its Smoking & Home Fires Campaign, the USFA wants to make this season safer, especially as it relates to the number one cause of preventable home fire deaths in the nation – fires caused by smoking materials.
“Every year, about 1,000 people are killed in smoking-related home fires,” said U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory B. Cade. “Smokers tend to smoke inside their homes more often because it’s cooler outside, so what’s important to remember is that smoking home fires can easily be prevented. It just takes a few seconds to light up – and a few seconds to make sure that cigarette is really out.”
Smoking-related fires can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. Smokers and those who live with smokers should ensure the following:
- If you feel you must smoke, it’s better to smoke outside.
- Inside the home, use big ashtrays with a stable base.
- Really put the cigarette out, don’t just tap it into the ashtray.
- It’s not a good idea to smoke if you are drowsy, and never smoke in bed.
- If people smoke while at your home, check for cigarette butts near the furniture and under sofa cushions before you call it a night.
- Douse butts and ashes with water before you toss them into the trash.
- If you or someone in your family smokes, Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time
Launched in January 2008, the USFA’s Smoking & Home Fires Campaignis working in partnership with 17 national organizations, including the NVFC, to spread the message about fire safety.
“The NVFC is proud to be a partner with the USFA on this very important campaign,” said NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “Far too many people in our communities have been killed in fires started by cigarettes. We need to work together to alert people to the dangers and stop any more of these preventable tragedies from happening.”
Departments and emergency service organizations across the country can access free campaign materials to use in their communities. These include a CD Toolkit with English and Spanish posters, brochures, fact sheets, public service announcements, PowerPoint presentations, a smoking-home fire demonstration video, and more. The USFA also has video and radio public service announcements available. Access these materials at www.usfa.dhs.gov/smoking.
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Kimberly Ettinger
Director of Communications
202-887-5700 ext. 19
David Finger
Director of Government Relations
202-887-5700 ext. 12